Stoke City vs Hull City — Tips & Analysis

Stoke City +0.25: Rotation is what makes this one work. Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic has all but confirmed heavy changes after his side beat Manchester United 2-0 on 22 August. Semi Ajayi, Nobel Mendy and Lewie Coyle all carry knocks from that game. Stoke will shuffle their pack too, so a gap between two divisions turns into a gap between two second choice sides. Stoke's whole season has been built at the Bet365 Stadium. They are 4W-2D-3L there and score almost 2 goals a game at home. On the road they have lost all seven and barely score, so their own ground is worth a lot to them. Hull are the team in form. They have not lost in five, they let in 1 goal a game, and their games average just over 2 goals. That points at a scrappy, low chance cup tie rather than an open one. Stoke have also won 12 of the last 20 meetings between these clubs. A 1-1 after ninety minutes is the natural read, and a level game is a good night for this pick. The warning is real. Stoke have lost 10 of their last 16 and are missing five players through injury, with Svante Ingelsson suspended. If Hull keep enough of their best names on the pitch, this can get away from Stoke. We still want Stoke with the head start at home.